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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-2-09MINUTES HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY September 2, 2009 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Michael Gehr called the regular monthly meeting of the Historic District Commission to order on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Washington County Administrative Annex, 80 West Baltimore Street. Members present included: Michael Gehr, Merry Stinson, Sandy Izer, Chris Horst, and David Wiles. Also present was Staff members Stephen T. Goodrich and Debra Eckard. Mr. Goodrich introduced Karen Theimer Brown, a Historic Preservation Specialist who works with the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions. B. MINUTES Ms. Izer made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2009 meeting as presented. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. C. COMMUNICATIONS AND BILLS None D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Permit #2009-03112-4336 Main Street, Rohrersville Rural Village Mr. Gehr explained that updated drawings were submitted for this permit application following comments made during the August 5th meeting. Mr. Goodrich provided the HDC members copies of the updated drawings via e-mail and also included the updated drawings in the September agenda packets. The Commission members responded via e-mail to Mr. Goodrich with their approval of the updated drawings and the permit application. Motion and Vote (via e-mail): Ms. Izer made a motion to approve Permit application #2009-03112 for property located at 4336 Main Street in the Rohrersville Rural Village zone because if built in accordance with the revised drawings, the addition would be consistent with the Washington County guidelines for new additions to contributing historic structures within a Rural Village. The proposed changes are compatible in form and scale with the character of the overall district and adjoining properties. The motion passed with Mr. Horst, Mr. Bowman, Mr. Gehr, Mr. Stewart, Ms. Izer, and Mr. Wiles voting "Yes". Ms. Stinson noted that she also responded with her approval via e-mail; however, Mr. Goodrich stated he did not receive that e-mail. Affirmation of Vote: Ms. Stinson made a motion during the September 2, 2009 meeting to re -affirm the Commission's vote taken via e-mail for approval of Permit application #2009-03112 for property located at 4336 Main Street in the Rohrersville Rural Village zone. Seconded by Mr. Wiles. Unanimously approved. E. BUDGET Mr. Goodrich stated that the CLG application for the Rural Community Survey has been approved by the Maryland Historical Trust in the amount of $17,400. During the approval of the Washington County budget for FY 2010, the matching funds of $12,000 were removed from the HDC's budget. The County's Budget and Finance Department is working to transfer funds from other sources in order to meet the County's matching funds obligation. Therefore, the project would be able to continue as proposed. Mr. Goodrich noted there is a slight chance that the budget transfer will not be approved by the County Commissioners due to a reduction in State funding of approximately $7 million. Mr. Goodrich stated that the towns to be included in this survey would include Brownsville, Bakersville, Gapland and Weaverton. F. NEW BUSINESS Permit #2009-03803 — 7742 Fairplay Road Mr. Goodrich presented for review and approval Permit application #2009-03803 for property located at 7742 Fairplay Road in the Fairplay Rural Village zone; however, the structure is not within the historic portion of the Rural Village. The applicants, Mr. and Mrs. James Tracey, were present at the meeting. The applicants are proposing a 24' x 44' second story addition to an existing dwelling for a master bedroom/bath, art room/office, great room and stairway to the first floor. Motion and Vote: Ms. Izer made a motion to approve Permit application #2009-03803 for property located at 7742 Fairplay Road because this is a non -conforming structure in the non -historic portion of the Fairplay Rural Village zone and if the addition is built in accordance with the plans as presented it will be compatible with the other non -historic structures in the Rural Village. Seconded by Ms. Stinson. Unanimously approved. G. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Goodrich announced that a site plan has been submitted to the County Planning Department for a cell tower proposed at 9000 Jordan Road. No changes have been proposed since the HDC reviewed the application that was presented to the Board of Zoning Appeals a few months ago. The Commission had no comments at that time regarding the location of the proposed cell tower. No action was taken. Mr. Goodrich stated that in May 2009 the Commission approved a permit application for a new dwelling on Claude Lane in the Pen Mar Rural Village zone. He noted that the developer is proposing to construct the exact same dwelling on the next lot. The applicant would like begin construction as soon as possible; however, Mr. Goodrich advised the Commission it should not give their approval without Staff having the opportunity to review the application and plans. After a brief discussion, Mr. Gehr suggested that Mr. Goodrich review the plans and send them out via e-mail for the Commission's review, comments and/or approval. Mr. Goodrich stated he would visit the site and take photographs of the house previously reviewed in May and include it in the e-mail. Mr. Gehr announced that the City of Hagerstown held a conference today regarding tax credits and historic preservation. He noted that a program is being coordinated for a training session for the HDC as well as other Commissions around the area. Mr. Goodrich asked Commission members to suggest topics of special interest that could be addressed during a training session. Ms. Brown stated that the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions (MAHD) has a contract with the Maryland Historical Trust that includes training for Historic District Commissions. She noted that some of the subjects discussed during training sessions include tax credits, National Register criteria, Secretary of Interior Standards, etc. Ms. Stinson would like someone to perform an overview of the procedures and discussions of this Commission to insure that pertinent information is being received and that the Commission is conducting meetings in an appropriate manner. Mr. Goodrich stated that an annual report is submitted to MHT each year, which is used to evaluate the Commission by referencing its minutes. During MHT's last review, their only comment was related to linking approvals to the guidelines used by the Commission. Mr. Goodrich stated that the Commission has been making improvements in that area. Mr. Horst announced that Leadership Washington County is planning another History Day. He asked the Commission for suggestions for a program to present at this event. Ms. Stinson suggested a "before and after" house tour and the incorporation of old buildings in new developments. Mr. Gehr suggested using the stone history presentation previously prepared by the Commission and incorporate the 106 Review process currently being undertaken on the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead. Mr. Goodrich expressed his opinion that "why preservation is important to leaders of a community" needs to be stressed. Mr. Horst stated that the State of Maryland's Historical Trust tax credit funding for rental real estate deadline application for fiscal year 2009 was August 31, 2009. The legislation that funds this credit will sunset next year. There was a brief discussion regarding this issue. Ms. Brown briefly addressed the members of the HDC. She gave a brief overview of the function of MAHD and the reason for her visit. Ms. Brown explained that following this evening's meeting, she will prepare a report that may include recommendations for improvement. Ms. Brown briefly discussed the design guidelines that the Commission is compiling and suggested several resources for help in preparing these guidelines. She talked about rules of procedure and showed the Commission a sample. Ms. Brown led a discussion regarding administrative review of projects. She noted that some jurisdictions have an administrative approval process. Mr. Gehr began a brief discussion regarding a consent docket. Ms. Brown briefly explained how a consent docket would streamline the process. Ms. Brown began a discussion regarding demolition permits and the Commission's inability to deny demolition of historic structures. Mr. Goodrich explained that the HDC can only recommend denial of a demolition permit on inventory listed properties. There was a brief discussion regarding a specific historic structure located in the Leitersburg Rural Village zone, which is also a National Register Historic District. Mr. Goodrich explained that the Commission has the authority to deny a demolition permit in the Historic Preservation and Antietam Overlay zones. Ms. Izer expressed her opinion that the County should adopt a "delay demolition" process and briefly explained how it would work. None I. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Stinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Izer. So ordered. Respectfully sub tied, Stephen T. Goodrich Chief Planner